Blog Archives

Fox Sports 1 or as it is now more commonly known as, FS1, has been making some news recently with its hires of former ESPN “Hot Take Artists” Jason Whitlock & Skip Bayless. One has to wonder if FS1 learned its lesson with the much ballyhooed hiring of noted shit stirrer Colin Cowherd last summer.

Cowherd brought some initial heat for the network at first but since has become buried in the sports talk landscape. Cowherd is consistently beaten by programming on NBCSN, MLB Network and CBS Sports Network, all of which are seen in far fewer homes. On a related note, are any radio stations (other than in LA) airing the simulcast of “The Herd”? It seems like when given a choice between Rich Eisen and Cowherd, most Fox Sports Radio affiliates are taking Eisen.In what seems like desperation, FS1 has announced that Cowherd & Whitlock will debut a new show on June 13th where they will debate each other daily. Sounds like something to avoid.

FS1 started out with grandeur after taking over what was once known as Speed. You remember the Speed Network, right? You should, since it got better ratings than what is now FS1. In fact, one of the few popular shows on FS1 is “Nascar Race Hub” which came over from Speed.

Even FS1’s answer to “SportsCenter”, “Fox Sports Live” was a unmitigated disaster. Hosted by two smartassed Canadians, Jay Onrait & Dan O’Toole, it boasted an analyst roster ranging from Andy Roddick to Randy Moss…all of which gave “hot takes” on everything. Yes, Andy Roddick attempted to talk NFL Football.

The show eventually morphed into the two Canucks showing clips and making jokes from a storage closet.

Even Regis Philbin, yes Reege, hosted a show on FS1.

I hope Cowherd, Bayless and Whitlock enjoy their financial windfalls. Because they just sentenced themselves to “Hot Take Siberia” by joining the rolling tumbleweed known as FS1.